Report criticizes Broward school’s handling of bond

An $800 million bond program to upgrade Broward County schools has faced delays and cost increases that haven’t been properly explained to the public, according to a new school district commissioned report.

Florida TaxWatch, a nonprofit group charged with monitoring the progress of the bond program, wrote that reports of cost overruns and delayed projects is “of great concern.” But despite repeated recommendations, “the district fails to identify those projects likely to be delayed and those projects that are likely to require additional funding.”

The district’s Bond Oversight Committee reviewed the recommendations Monday night.

County voters approved the bond in November 2014, but construction has yet to start on many projects that were supposed to be under construction by the summer of 2015. The program was approved to fix decaying facilities and update technology at most county schools. District officials say that despite initial delays, they are on schedule to complete all work by their original goal of 2021.

They expect costs to increase by about 25 percent, but haven’t provided detailed costs or timelines for individual schools, the TaxWatch report says.

“The public has every right to know which school projects are delayed and the reasons for the delay, as well as which school projects are over-budget,” the report says. “The public’s right to know is not wellserved by these omissions.”

Members of the Bond Oversight Committee questioned whether all work would get done, since officials are predicting a 25 percent increase in costs.

“Where are you going to find this money?” asked committee member Bruce Bernard, a manager for a construction company. “When we get to year five, there will be nothing left.”

Omar Shim, who oversees the capital budget, said the district plans to fund all projects, even if it requires additional dollars. The district’s original five-year bond plan budget is actually $1 billion — $800 million from the bond and $200 million from other sources. Shim said $300 million has not been allocated to any specific project, and can be used to offset project costs.